Career Discovery Groups, or CDG, help you explore career possibilities, make confident academic choices, meet new friends, network with professionals and build a strong foundation for future success—right from the start of your UC Davis experience.
Make friends, get practical experience and be part of a community that’s got your back. Reflect on what drives you, explore careers that excite you, network with peers and professionals, and pick up helpful tips for resumes, cover letters, graduate school applications and more. No stress, no pressure – just a chance to learn, grow and make connections while figuring out your future.
Supporting You from Day One
In CDG, you will participate in small, supportive groups led by graduate student mentors who help you navigate our research university, share campus resources and give advice on how to align your skills with your professional goals. Students also meet with faculty, advisors, alumni and professionals to get practical insight into careers and graduate and professional school programs.
I’m really grateful for the CDG class because it was like my safe place. It helped me to get acclimated and to get support. It was a whole new world to me when I started and I didn’t have any preparation for that or support system, so it really provided a lot of that for me.
–Melinda Poley,
UC Davis alum who now works for the California State Senate
What to Expect
First-year students participate in fall, winter and spring quarters. Transfer students join for the fall quarter experience. The courses provide meaningful experiences without piling on extra work.
In the spring, first-year students go on field trips to local workplaces and outdoor sites, seeing careers in action and making real connections.
FALL QUARTER
- Build community with peers and mentors
- Connect with campus resources that support your success
- Explore personal strengths and interests to inform your academic
WINTER QUARTER
- Meet professionals and learn from their experiences
- Design a resume and cover letter that help you stand out
- Build confidence in your communication skills in a supportive environment
SPRING QUARTER
- Discover diverse career opportunities through fun field trips
- Dig deeper into your interests by networking with local employers
- You’re ready to take the next steps for academic, personal and professional growth and success!
Achieve Your Goals
Taking part in CDG lets you rack up wins from day one. Join this group and see how the right support and guidance can help you achieve your goals. Students who participate tend to:
- Boost their GPAs
- Stay enrolled at higher rates
- Complete internships
- Land great opportunities after graduation
Mentors Guide the Way
Graduate student mentors guide you through the UC Davis experience in a fun and supportive way. They answer questions, discuss different careers and give advice on classes, resumes and networking.
How do I register for the CDG program?
To register for the CDG program, use the table below to find the first year class that works for your schedule and enter the class' Course Registration Number (CRN) into your Schedule Builder. Please note, you must use the CRN into Schedule Builder.
Register for Fall Quarter
First-Year Students
| CRN | COURSE | DAY | DISCUSSION TIME | ROOM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
45231 | SAS 006A | Mon | 5:10 - 6:00 PM | 267 Olson Hall | |
45232 | SAS 006A | Tues | 5:10 - 6:00 PM | 267 Olson Hall | |
45233 | SAS 006A | Mon | 5:10 - 6:00 PM | 3 Wellman Hall | |
45234 | SAS 006A | Mon | 5:10 - 6:00 PM | 229 Wellman Hall | |
45235 | SAS 006A | Tues | 5:10 - 6:00 PM | 229 Wellman Hall | |
45236 | SAS 006A | Tues | 5:10 - 6:00 PM | 3 Wellman Hall | |
45237 | SAS 006A | Wed | 5:10 - 6:00 PM | 229 Wellman Hall | |
45238 | SAS 006A | Wed | 5:10 - 6:00 PM | 3 Wellman Hall | |
45239 | SAS 006A | Thurs | 5:10 - 6:00 PM | 229 Wellman Hall | |
45240 | SAS 006A | Thurs | 5:10 - 6:00 PM | 3 Wellman Hall |
Transfer Students
| CRN | COURSE | DAY | DISCUSSION TIME | ROOM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
45271 | SAS 106 | Wed | 4:40 - 6:00 PM | 102 Hutchison Hall | |
45272 | SAS 106 | Thurs | 4:40 - 6:00 PM | 102 Hutchison Hall | |
45273 | SAS 106 | Thurs | 4:40 - 6:00 PM | 1038 Wickson Hall | |
45274 | SAS 106 | Fri | 12:10 - 1:30 PM | 1344 Storer Hall | |
45275 | SAS 106 | Fri | 12:10 - 1:30 PM | 108 Hoagland Hall |
Career Discovery Groups are engaging, resourceful and self-revealing. You’ll definitely leave with a clearer idea of what you want to do going forward in both your undergraduate degree and beyond.
—Eric Patterson,
CDG mentor and Ph.D. candidate in sociocultural anthropology